Revenge (PG-13)-Lexana Drama/Romance- Chapter 4
Here´s the fourth chapter of the second fic I ever wrote. Enjoy!
SUMMARY: What happened the days between Lex´s rescue after his plane crashed and his arrival in Smallville ? What would have things been like if Helen had decided to take revenge by hurting someone close to Lex ?
If you´ve missed the beginning read it now: CHAPTERS 1 TO 3
CHAPTER 4: Bonding
Lana arrived in Canada safe and sound but with a lighter wallet. She had bought a tourist ticket but it had eaten up a sizeable part of her savings. In fact, she hoped what was left was enough to help Lex do whatever he was planning to.
Lex was already waiting for Lana outside the cabin when she arrived and he welcomed her with open arms ready for a warm fraternal hug. Lana ran into his embrace and, wrapping her arms around his neck, stood on tiptoe to place a lingering kiss on his cheek. They held tight for at least five solid minutes. Lex could feel her tears on his face and was so overwhelmed by her racking sobs that he didn't have the heart to tell her he was finding it difficult to breathe. He couldn't find the words to tell her what he was feeling; he had never been good with words when it came to exteriorizing his innermost feelings. Buying an expensive gift or making a grand gesture had always been easier for a Luthor than putting feelings of love or friendship into words. Therefore, Lex simply returned the hug and moved his hand up and down Lana's back to soothe her.
Eventually Lana let him go and, sliding her arms down, looked up with a beaming smile on her face. “ I'm sorry, Lex. You must think I'm a hysterical brat but ... to find you alive after I thought I had lost my three closest friends all at once... it was too much... .“ Taking her face in his hands and wiping her tears away, Lex answered “ No need to apologise. You've given me the best welcome I could have hoped for. I can't remember anyone- least of all a young woman- shedding tears of happiness on my account. “ “I must look like a raccoon. Is there a mirror in this hunting cabin to touch up my make-up ? “ said Lana with a laugh in her voice. “ You look beautiful, Lana. The perfect picture of teenage wholesomeness. And yes, there's a mirror in the bathroom. Come in and make yourself at home. I've already prepared you a bedroom; it's the one on the right at the end of the corridor. In the meantime, I'll get your suitcases. “ Lana's voice was heard from inside the cabin, “ Suitcase, Lex. I've travelled light because I can stay only three or four days at the most. “
It was nine o'clock in the evening now and they were enjoying a cup of cocoa next to the fireplace.
“ I've always known you have expensive tastes but I didn't know you were such a very good cook. “
“ Well, thanks. I've spent many hours of my childhood hiding, and the kitchen used to be one of my favourite places. By the way, you're the first girl to ever try my cooking. “
“ Really ? I'm honoured, “ she responded with a smile.
“ It's been my pleasure, Lana. I can't remember feeling so at home since the summers I spent with my mother on the ranch in Montana, “ said Lex looking at her with misty eyes.
“ I had trouble picturing Lex Luthor as a farmer ! “ interpolated Lana in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“ You'd be surprised... Things would have been so much simpler,“ said he in a pensive mood. “ I guess it's time to stop thinking about the past and get down to business. Have you brought the stuff I asked you for ? “ sobered up Lex.
Lana woke up early the following morning to the sound of chirping and found herself rather disoriented until she heard Lex talking on the mobile phone and remember where she was. She got up, had a shower and got changed before joining him in the living-room. The man she found there was the Lex she had been used to, the business partner always in control of the situation, and somehow she felt safer. He was wearing a mask again but she didn't mind, she was even thankful for it. On more than one occasion Lex had let her see what he was like beyond the facade and there had been a moment the previous night when something transpired between the two that unsettled her.
“ I'm sorry, Lana. It wasn't my intention to wake you up so early but there were a couple of urgent calls I had to make,” he said after hanging up.
“ It's OK. I want to make the most of my stay. Do you think I could go out for a walk after breakfast ? “
“ Certainly. There's a horse if you'd rather go for a ride... , “ he offered.
“ Yes, ... that'd be nice. I haven't ridden in months. To tell you the truth, I haven't felt like doing much of late, “ she added.
“ I'm being a terrible host, Lana. I'm so wrapped up in my troubles that I haven't asked you if you needed to talk, “ he responded , angry with himself.
“ I wouldn't like to burden you with my teenage angst. You've got more than enough on your plate. “
“ Listen, Lana.You've been a wonderful friend. Not only have you dropped everything to come to my aid, you've lied because of me, you've trusted me with your savings and- above all- you didn't hesitate to compromise yourself by staying over. The least I can do is lend you my ears. As to my predicament, the wheels are already in motion and the private investigator's promised to have news for tomorrow evening.“
“ Thank you, Lex, but I don't feel I'm ready to talk about it yet. I'm afraid of what might happen if I set free all that I've got bottled up inside and I think it's not the proper time to overburden you. Take care of your things first and you have my word that I'll confide in you just as you have in me. “
“ I'll be here when you feel ready... As to your ride... There's only one horse and there isn't much I can do except wait... Would you mind if I joined you , “ asked Lex hesitantly
“ Certainly not. I could use some company, “ answered Lana sincerely.
As promised, the private investigator phoned Lex the following evening when they were eating dessert. Lana motioned to leave the table and give him some privacy to answer the call but he stopped her by grabbing her hand. He'd always found her presence soothing and God knew he needed all the control he could master to hear the detective's report. Lana could read his plea on his lips: “ Please, stay, “ and she sat down.
Lex listened to the report with his eyes locked with Lana's. He didn't utter a word during the first five minutes but she could see all the emotions that he was experiencing reflected in his pupils. Then, he spoke. “ Are you absolutely positive ?... Have you checked with all your sources ? ...OK... You'll get a cheque for your services first thing Monday morning. Good night. “
“ What did he find out ? “
“ According to the detective's sources my father has nothing to do with the accident, though I find that hard to believe. “
“ And Helen ? “
“ Helen... Helen was behind it. No doubt about it. I still hoped, but the hints had been there. I should have realised she had something up her sleeve when we drank a toast on the plane. She had a strange look on her face, as if she regretted something. She must have been thinking of the drug she had slipped in my drink to knock me out,“ he said with a murderous look on his face.
“ What will happen to her , Lex ,“ asked Lana afraid of what he might do.
“I may feel like killing her but I'm not my father. I'm not a murderer. I've got other plans for her. Let's say she'll have a taste of her own medicine. “
CHAPTERS 5 & 6